Car At Center Of Possible Arson Investigation

El Paso County Sheriff Investigators have a car in evidence and are looking for clues as to whether or not a fire near the Broadmoor was an accident or arson.

The fire started around 4:15 p.m. Friday when a car went off the side of Old Stage Road, landing on a steep mountain hill, about 50 feet below.

The car caught fire and flames spread to surrounding brush and trees. It burned a small area, just about 1/10th of an acre, because firefighters got it out quickly.

While it didn’t spread too far, families who live nearby tell us it raises concerns.

"We know that the fire danger is pretty high and I know that there were a lot of phone calls among neighbors and notifying each other of the incident this afternoon. So we're pretty much on edge,” said Broadmoor Resident Mark Owen.

Since the Waldo Canyon Fire, Broadmoor residents tell us they are more aware of what’s happening around them.

"We even pay attention to smells when we come out with the dogs or go on a walk. We smelt a fire the other night and we’re wondering if it’s someone wood-burning or it it’s truly a fire. You have heightened awareness,” said Broadmoor Resident Dede Schuck.

"We all had neighbors and friends who lived up in that area that were affected and who knows who could be next,” said Owen.

Fire crews could not find the driver of the car or anyone nearby, so Sheriff Investigators are calling the fire suspicious.

Even though it’s early in the investigation, neighbors say the thought of a possible arsonist upsets them.

"It's very scary and I wonder what people are possibly thinking, that they would even try or attempt do something like that,” said Schuck.

Investigators plan to go back to the scene Saturday to gather more evidence. At this point there are no suspects.

If you know anything about this fire call Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP.

You can count on 11 News to stay on top of this story and bring you the latest as soon as we get it.

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